Is it true that girls adopted at a later age may begin puberty early? Our daughter was six when she arrived. What should we watch for in the years to come?
“A Homeland Trip with My Teens”
I planned our homeland trip, hoping to see my children’s birthplaces. Surprisingly, those proved elusive, but we found meaning at every turn.
Ask AF: Teen Friendships
Answers to your parenting questions.
“Balancing Act” — Part 5 of Foster Adoption Series
In part five of our family’s adoption odyssey, we begin the tug-of-war also known as parenting a teenager.
[Book Review] Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens
Originally conceived and written as a guide for therapists working with adopted adolescents, Beneath the Mask is a valuable resource for parents.
Developing a Body Image
“I wonder what I’ll look like when I”m grown.”
“Finding Her Birth Mother, A World Apart”
Opening our daughter’s international adoption has allowed her to ask questions and receive answers, brought her birth mother a sense of peace from knowing that her child is alive, well, and happy, and given us the unforgettable privilege of personally thanking our child’s birth mother.
[Book Review] The Face in the Mirror: Teenagers and Adoption
Marion Crook interviewed 50 adoptees. Teens tell what they really think and feel about adoption, their adoptive parents, and their birth parents
Empowering Kids to Handle Sticky Assignments
When adoption comes up in the classroom, you can’t always help your child handle it. Here’s how to set up your child to advocate for herself at school.
Six Themes for the Adopted Adolescent
Excerpt from Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens, by Debbie Riley.
Whose Dream Is It, Anyway?
Adoptive parents sometimes push their own wishes on their children. But during the teen years, an adolescent may rebel.
Keep Them Reading
Five strategies that will encourage teens to turn the page.
When Your Teen Starts to Date
As adopted teens enter the dating game, unique issues will arise. Are you ready to tackle them?
Staying Close While Giving Your Teen Space
Adolescence only lasts a short time — help your child through the rough patches and enjoy watching her grow into an individual.
Forging an Identity
Don’t despair; these struggles can actually deepen your bond.
Encouraging Your Child to Find a Passion
When kids find something they love and stick with it, they find their place in the world.
When a Teen Needs Help
Be open to the idea that your moody teenager may benefit from counseling.
Teens, Drinking, and Drugs
It’s a national issue. Is your child at risk?
When Your Teen Uses Adoption As a Weapon
Try to resist joining in your teen’s power struggles.
The Power of Mom
Who can teach an adolescent boy to open up? You guessed it.